Yes, the effects of habitat loss and urbanization continue to reduce
the numbers of birds in our locale. We are on the East side "Cougar
Hills" subdivision. When we moved in here in 1973, there was mostly
woods all around us. Now there are mostly houses all around and up
and down the side of Cougar Mountain. Each year, there are fewer
birds. Recently there has been a proliferation of house cats in our
neighborhood and that is making matters much worse. One tends to get
a little angry!

All the while this has been happening, I have never seen any House
Sparrows at our feeders. Lots of House Finches, no sparrows. I
probably shouldn't mention this and count my lucky stars. I hope my
luck continues in that respect but, I am afraid that fewer numbers of
birds, generally, is going to be the norm.

Ed Lamb, Bellevue WA, edsplace at worldned.att.net